Monday, January 9, 2017

Moms on Mondays - Rachel from Logan + Lenora

Today on Moms on Mondays I am happy to feature Rachel from Logan and Lenora! This mama makes the cutest, no nonsense, waterproof bags for moms. They are super lightweight, durable, no stress, stylish and cute. I don't know about you, but it seems like my purse always ends up weight - from a sippy or a wipes pack that opened up. This mama has the perfect solution, in a variety of super cute bags. Read about her company below and then go shop!

What is the name of your shop and how can we find you?
Our shop is Logan and Lenora and you can also find us on Amazon (and at Nordstrom soon!).

Tell us about what you make/sell in your shop.

I design waterproof bags for moms - awesome and stylish "wet bags" that are designed
as Hobos, Clutches, and Totes. Every mom can use "low maintenance" bags that are
waterproof, washable, and versatile for all the stages of parenthood.

How/why did you start making these products and open this shop?

I started designing waterproof bags in 2010 when I had my first son and decided to
cloth diaper. I discovered "wet bags", and as a bag designer at my former job, I began
sketching ideas for transforming the typical wet bag into a stylish accessory I would
love to carry.

How long have you been in business?

Officially since 2013. From 2010-2013 I was on Etsy.

What is your background (college/career/etc.)?

I studied art in college, and then for 6 years worked with a refugee women's stitching
project based in Kenya and Rwanda, designing bags and accessories. At heart I am an
artist, and my favorite part of my job is designing new bag styles and prints.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I'm married to my best friend, Ben, who also works at Logan + Lenora now as the
COO. We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary, and I'm so thankful to be able to live
life and work alongside someone I love so much! We have three kids: Logan (6),
Greyson (4), and Willow (1). Our life feels very full, but I wouldn't have it any other way.How does this company help your family? Or you?

Now that Ben and I both work for Logan + Lenora, our family is 100% supported by my
business. I never would have imagined that happening back when I first started
designing and selling these bags in 2010. Aside from financially, L+L has allowed Ben
and I to both be around our kids more and have a healthier work/life balance. And we
love our work!

Did you ever think you'd be doing this?​ What did you think you'd be doing
instead?

I always dreamed of designing my own products, but I never thought it would get this
far. For awhile I thought I'd still be living in East Africa, but who knows. Maybe that will
weave back in at some point.

Does anyone help you with your shop?

My husband is COO, Sophie runs our customer care and warehouse, and we work
with a team of sewers here in Denver to make all the bags.

How do you find time to run your shop and create products?

With a lot of help. We have an amazing nanny who plays with Willow while we work
during the day, and then Ben and I trade off afternoons once the boys are off school.
And sometimes, I put in more hours once the kids are in bed. Having my own business
means always being on-call, the work is never-ending.

What do you love about this business?

I love designing for other moms. I know how crazy life can be with kids, and the
importance of maintaining a sense of self while caring for other human beings. Those
are themes that are woven into our marketing and bag designs - focusing on mom and
designing for her, while keeping in mind things like waterproof and washable that help
simplify her day-to-day.

What is the most challenging part of this business?

It takes a lot of time and energy to create something new. And with a young family it
can feel overwhelming. I have to be patient with myself and allow myself time to be a
mom first, entrepreneur second.

Where do you see your shop in the future?

I hope to see Logan + Lenora become a mainstream brand that moms love and
respect, and go to for everyday bags to help organize and simplify mommyhood.

I love our Waterproof Wristlet Clutch, and now with the little gold tassel. It just makes
me happy, and I carry one all the time.

Do you have any advice for future mom-entrepreneurs?

Follow your dreams, and if you have an idea try it out! But remember it’s a learning
process, and it’s good for your ideas and designs to evolve as you begin executing. It
may end up looking very different than you originally thought. And, it all takes time.